Samsung Bioepis Begins Direct Sales of Ophthalmic Treatment in Europe

Regaining European Rights from Biogen

Samsung Bioepis announced on January 4 that it has regained the European commercialization rights for the ophthalmic treatment “Byooviz” from its marketing partner Biogen and will begin direct sales in Europe.

“Byooviz” is a biosimilar of Lucentis, developed by the global pharmaceutical company Genentech. It is used to treat various ophthalmic diseases, including wet (neovascular) age-related macular degeneration and diabetic macular edema. Until now, it has been sold in Europe through Biogen, its marketing partner.

Exterior view of Samsung Bioepis building in Songdo, Incheon. Samsung Bioepis

This move to direct sales follows Samsung Bioepis’s announcement in October last year regarding the plan to reclaim European rights for Byooviz from Biogen. As a result, starting this year, Samsung Bioepis will directly commercialize Byooviz in Europe.

Since 2023, Samsung Bioepis has been accumulating commercialization experience in Europe by directly selling Epysqli (a Soliris biosimilar) for rare diseases, as well as Obodence and Xbryk (biosimilars of Prolia and Xgeva) for bone diseases. With the addition of direct sales for Byooviz, the company has expanded its portfolio of directly sold products in Europe to four.

This is significant in that the accumulated commercialization experience has led to an expanded direct sales portfolio. Samsung Bioepis continues to broaden its business scope from development, clinical trials, and regulatory approval to commercialization.

Linda Choi, Executive Vice President and Head of Commercial at Samsung Bioepis, stated, “The launch of direct sales for Byooviz in Europe marks a new phase in expanding Samsung Bioepis’s commercialization capabilities in the European market. We will continue our efforts to improve patient access to biosimilar treatments through close communication with healthcare providers and medical professionals.”